Abstract

CHITOSAN-BASED NANOCARRIERS FOR ANTI-ASTHMATIC DRUG DELIVERY: FORMULATION PRINCIPLES, BIOLOGICAL RATIONALE AND TRANSLATIONAL CHALLENGES

Mr. Ravikumar Bhikaji Misal*, Dr. Pravin S. Kawtikwar

Abstract

Asthma treatment depends on reliable drug delivery to control bronchoconstriction and chronic airway inflammation. Chitosan-based nanocarriers are being investigated because they combine biodegradability, modifiable cationic charge, mucoadhesion and the ability to form particles under mild ionic-gelation conditions. This review examines the physicochemical basis of chitosan nanocarriers, preparation routes, critical quality attributes, characterization methods, drug-release mechanisms, opportunities for pulmonary and mucosal delivery, and the evidence needed for translation. Particular attention is given to montelukast sodium, whose low aqueous solubility makes it a useful model for carrier-enabled formulation. Polymer molecular weight, degree of deacetylation, pH, chitosan-to-tripolyphosphate ratio, mixing energy and drying conditions jointly determine size, dispersity, charge, entrapment and release. Although nanoscale delivery can improve dispersion and sustain release, favorable particle size alone does not establish lung deposition, clinical benefit or safety. Development should integrate quality-by-design experiments, validated analytical methods, aerosol testing, disease-relevant pharmacology, toxicology and stability. Chitosan is a versatile platform, but successful products will require reproducible raw materials and an explicit connection between manufacturing controls and therapeutic performance.

Keywords: Asthma; chitosan; nanoparticles; pulmonary delivery; montelukast; quality by design; controlled release.